N438 Million: Apply Caution On Interior Minister, Analyst Appeals To Tinubu
Serial entrepreneur and development consultant, Ms. Tolulope Ebun, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approach the recent controversy surrounding Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, with careful consideration and thoughtfulness.
In a press statement, Tolulope clarified that she had reviewed reports regarding the transfer of a contract sum of N438 million to a company called New Planet Project LTD, which was founded by Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The transfer was allegedly made by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.
However, Tolulope pointed out that Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had resigned from the company’s board, along with his wife, in 2019.
Therefore, she argued that he cannot be held accountable for any actions taken by the company thereafter. As per the law, there is no basis for dismissing Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as he has not committed any crime.
Tolulope appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take into account Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s outstanding track record as the best performing minister, who has introduced numerous reforms and shown exceptional management of the Interior Ministry.
She emphasized that removing such a capable minister would send a negative message about the administration’s commitment to excellence and progress.
Furthermore, Tolulope reminded the President that Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is actively combating a powerful group within the system that seeks to maintain the status quo for personal gain.
She stressed that removing the best performing minister would undermine the administration’s efforts to address the existing flaws in the system.
Tolulope then highlighted the achievements of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during his tenure:
Swift Resolution of Passport Backlogs: Hon. Tunji-Ojo efficiently resolved a backlog of 204,000 passport applications within two weeks at the Nigerian Immigration Service, ensuring efficient service delivery.
Innovative E-Platforms for Visa Processing: The minister introduced user-friendly e-platforms for visa applications, allowing passport photo uploads via the immigration portal.
This initiative enhances accessibility and convenience for Nigerians seeking visas.
Enhanced E-Passport Facilities Abroad: Hon.
Tunji-Ojo unveiled improved e-passport facilities in key Nigerian Embassies across Europe, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing service capabilities for Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly in Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Advocacy for Equitable Salaries:
The minister’s advocacy for fair compensation for paramilitary officers and the proposal for a pension board for various security services reflect his dedication to ensuring better welfare and equity within the sector.
Criminal Justice Reform and Rehabilitation: Through collaboration, 4,000 inmates were released from correctional centers, showcasing the minister’s commitment to rehabilitation and social justice through strategic partnerships and financial assistance.
Unprecedented Personnel Promotion: Under the leadership of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, 32,361 personnel across the Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were promoted.
Tolulope humbly implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain the services of the diligent and high-performing Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. By doing so, she argued, the President would enable the minister to continue contributing his utmost to the renewed hope agenda.
She requested the President not to overlook the minister’s accomplishments due to the current controversy. Tolulope acknowledged that humans are fallible and prone to mistakes, but she affirmed that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is the shining light of this administration and should be protected at all costs.
